Assessing the Clinical Value of Cognitive Appraisal in Adults Aging with HIV

Abstract

HIV and normal aging can each negatively affect executive functioning, attention, memory, and, ultimately, metacognitive abilities, which are important for internally monitoring neuropsychological performance. Some individuals who are aging with HIV may experience severe changes in their metacognitive abilities. They may be unaware of their neuropsychological functioning and may not be accurately monitoring their cognitive abilities. Nurses who rely on patients' self-reports of cognitive status should exercise caution regarding the accuracy of these reports and consider confirming and validating such responses when impairments are suspected. A flowchart for monitoring patients with suspected metacognitive impairments is provided.

Sleep and Cognition on Everyday Functioning in Older Adults

“…In addition, global memory assessments, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, are convenient, quick, and easy-to-use tools that can be helpful in detecting gross cognitive declines (Folstein, Folstein, & McHugh, 1975). For a more thorough review of assessing cognitive ability, see Vance, Farr, and Struzick (2008).…”

Aging with HIV: Clinical Considerations for an Emerging Population

“…Cognitive changes can be evaluated through bedside neuropsychological measures such as the Mini-mental State Exam, by noticing changes in behavior and responses to questions, forgetting medical appointments, and by talking with patients’ family members or caregivers. 25 Likewise, given the increase of depression and possible suicidal ideation found in this population, changes in mood can also be evaluated through similar techniques such as bedside depression measures and spending time with patients. 21 If problems are detected with either cognition or depression, referrals to the appropriate medical professional (e.g., psychologist, neurologist) are warranted.…”

The Future of Cognitive Remediation Training in Older Adults

“…Such information can be derived from querying patients about their cognitive functioning. For example, nurses can ask if patients are experiencing difficulty remembering to pay bills, are more distractible, or are having trouble remembering information (Vance, Farr, & Struzick, 2008). If such trouble is detected, nurses can explain that there are cognitive remediation programs available that have been shown to improve both global and domain-specific cognitive abilities.…”